It follows criticism of the roadworks scheme after it is locked in a legal dispute over land belonging to a pub in Penwortham.

The Brown Hare, owned by Marstons, may need to relinquish land from its beer garden to allow the A582 to be four lanes through that section.

Lancashire County Council has now unveiled plans for where it wants to protect land from development along the route so it can be dual carriageway on both sides.

Phill Wilson, City Deal project manager, said: “The plans to widen this section of the A582 will improve the local road network, increasing capacity, cutting journey times and helping people to get around more easily.

“We held a six-week public consultation exercise earlier this year on the proposed improvements. We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to give their views.”

Funded by the City Deal, worth £434 million, the road is a major part of investment in infrastructure and new homes in Preston and South Ribble. But the Brown Hare hold up may put the scheme back weeks, if not months.

The county council says the proposed route is being considered on Monday by county councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport.

If approved it will then go to cabinet member for environment, planning and cultural services Marcus Johnstone, who will be asked to protect the route from other development.

A full planning application would then be submitted in early 2017.

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